Land of the Free

It is Memorial Day Weekend, the time when we remember those who lost their lives during military service. Floating all around social media is the meme that they died to protect our freedom. I’m not going to write about the complicated topic of the military industrial complex, or why wars are fought. My father was a veteran. I respect and appreciate all the men and women who agreed to do a job where the risk was so high, and who paid that price. I grieve for the families that are left behind. What I want to talk about is FREEDOM. How free are we? And what are we doing with this freedom?

Since this is Pleasure Evolution, you know where we’re going with this. The suffragettes who chained themselves to the white house fence and went on hunger strikes in prison, eventually gaining women the right to vote. The feminists who marched and lobbied and got the ERA passed. The activists that rebelled at Stonewall paving the way for gay rights. Trans activists, and sadly numerous murder victims or suicides who bring awareness of their plight to the consciousness of all. We stand on the shoulders of those who fought for our sexual freedom.

Are you Sexually Free?

Yes, Sexually Free. Are you liberated? Or are you in a prison of other people’s views and values? Are you dressing how you want to? Are you presenting according to gender stereotypes, or being your Authentic Self? Are you loving who you want, and following your unique turn-ons? Freedom means being able to think for yourself. Freedom from shame can only come when you decide that your opinion is the one that matters. And it’s easier when you surround yourself with a loving supportive tribe like we have here at Pleasure Evolution. Guilt and shame are obstacles to you being in your full power in the world.

We know that in some areas of the country, or your work, it isn’t safe to express yourself authentically. We live in North Carolina, home of the horrible “Bathroom Bill” that denies trans people the right to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. If anyone is denied the basic human right of dignity, we are all responsible. Are we allowing our legislators to take away our rights, and the rights of others to be in our own bodies?!

Are you happy with your freedom but imprisoning others with your judgments? How about opening your mind and honoring people’s right to live and love as they wish?

Our forefathers wisely did not include anything about sex, love, relationships or morals in the constitution. They institutionalized many things, but they had the forethought to stay out of people’s bedrooms. The Declaration of Independence named three inalienable rights, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. And the pursuit of happiness has been defined as a fundamental right to freely pursue joy and live life in a way that makes you happy, as long as you don’t do anything illegal or violate the rights of others.

Happy Memorial Day. In honor of those who sacrificed to grant us freedom, may you make the most of the privilege. Let us know what you think in the comments below.